The Meaning of Grit

This morning I took a “Grit Survey” on the Authentic Happiness site, at the University of Pennsylvania website. After getting the results, I was surprised and disappointed with the results. I always saw myself as a very gritty person. But the results show that I am not as gritty as I thought I was. My score was 3.25 out of 5. Just above average; Ouch!

First, what is the meaning of Grit? 

Grit is an optimistic and confident attitude; it is the firmness of character and an unbeatable spirit. Grit is a resilient mindset that is ready to persist for long periods of time to accomplish a goal despite numerous setbacks and failures.

According to Margaret M. Perlis there are 5 main characteristics that define the level of Grittiness that an individual has. Sometimes these attributes are marked, other times there are almost invisible; yet, a person's tenacity is based on the degree to which he/she can access, ignite, and control these attributes.

1.Courage
Courage means to never give up, to never surrender, to have the strength to rise against all odds; it means to be able to stand up to injustice. Gritty people are courageous who understand that risking and failing are lessons that are required to succeed.

2. Achievement Oriented vs. Dependable
Achievement-oriented people often want to do things better or more efficiently than the way they have been done in the past, whereas dependable people are more notably self-controlled and conformist. Gritty people are risk takers and are predicted to have far better success than a self-controlled person, who may never take chances, who is afraid to fail. 

3. Long-Term Goals and Endurance
Long-term goals are the key for a successful Life. Gritty people are long-term oriented, but most importantly, they have drive, sustainability, passion, and stamina to follow through.

4. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to confront stressful, difficult and sometimes devastating situations by attacking the adversity head on. A gritty person has the strength to pull oneself together to overcome the unimaginable!

5. Excellence vs. Perfection
Gritty people seek excellence but not perfection: Perfection is unforgiving and inflexible. Excellence is an attitude; it is forgiving, it allows you to fail and improve.
- After understanding the real meaning of grit, I realized that I have almost all the qualities to be gritty. Yet, there is one important quality that I am missing.

I never abandon a task in the face of obstacles; I have the perseverance, willpower, tenacity, and resilience to move forward. But I have one weakness; I do abandon projects; I put ventures on the side because of the excitement of doing something new; the excitement of a new challenge, and that is wrong! 

My priority always, should be to finish and to accomplish the venture that I am working on, that I am aiming for, before moving to the next project; before getting excited about a new idea. My priority always will be to follow through!

"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day-in, day-out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. And working really hard to make that future a reality. 
Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint!" - Angela Lee Duckworth

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